China on Monday urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict, particularly the US and Israel, to cease military operations, warning of a “vicious cycle” in a war that analysts say if prolonged, could undermine global growth and weaken demand for Chinese exports.

“The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it,” said Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun at a briefing after his shuttle-diplomacy trip that included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

“Should the hostilities continue to spread and intensify, the entire region will be plunged into chaos,” he said.

“The lessons of the past are not far behind us,” the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday in a reply to Reuters seeking comment on Iraq War anniversary last week.

“The war 23 years ago brought profound suffering to the Iraqi people and had a serious impact on the Middle East,” the statement said.

“The war 23 years later on Iran has caused severe losses to the Iranian people, and the spillover and spread of the conflict have also affected the entire region,” the ministry said.